handgun safety awareness course v1 - springvale pistol club...handgun safety awareness course...

Handgun Safety Awareness Course

State of Victoria

Handgun SafetyAwareness Course

Initial Material:Prepared April, 1997Sgt. G. MOONO.S.T.T.U.Victoria Police AcademyGlen Waverley

Adapted and revised by SSPC - March 2000


Reproduced by SSPC March 2000 1 Handgun Safety Awareness Course V1.doc

This course was designed in 1997 as a result of a legislative requirement for aHandgun Safety Awareness Course for all new members of pistol clubs.

The course is not designed to facilitate any particular pistol shooting discipline orto increase skill level but will provide a basic knowledge in relation to the safehandling of handguns in a sporting shooting environment.

The aims of the course are:

• To instruct the student in current legislation about the possession useand ownership of firearms.

• To provide a basic knowledge of handgun types and their safehandling.

• To teach the student the basic knowledge of gun handling skills andsafety consciousness required of the shooter.

• To measure individual skill levels to ensure that all students have thebasic level of safety skills.

The course consists of 2 parts:

(a) A theory component of four hours duration where instruction will be givenin:

• Basic handgun types and actions

• Legislation about handguns

• Safe handling of handguns

• Basic ballistics including reloading

A theory assessment will be carried out during this component

(b) A practical component of four hours duration where instruction will begiven:

• Safe handling of handguns

• Making safe a handgun

• Loading and unloading a handgun

• Safe clearance of malfunctions

• Live fire exercise

A practical assessment in the safe handling of handguns will be conducted

Safety is the primary concern in the sport of handgun shooting. As the instructorcarries out this course the one question continually in mind is....

Is this shooter a safe shooter?



INTRODUCTION

When you began the class you were unconsciously unskilled. You were unawarethat you didn’t know. By the end of the class you will have advanced to beingconsciously unskilled.

At this point your gun handling skills will probably be low with awkwardmovements, but you know and now you can change it. Practice will bring steadyimprovement as you move towards becoming consciously skilled.

Prior to handling handguns or firearms of any type you must be aware of thethree laws of gun control. In the event that you have an unintentional discharge,which may be at the range or at another location, be assured that it will befrightening if you have not obeyed the three laws of gun control it could be tragic.

First law: The gun is always loaded.very time you pick up or handle a gun, inspects it in a safemanner (muzzle direction) and always treat it as a loaded gun

Second law: Never point the gun at anything you are not prepared toshoot.The only safe way to handle guns is to assume the worst casescenario. The empty gun is going to fire. Since you areprepared for that you only point the gun in a safe direction.This way if an unintentional discharge does result it will be intoa safe impact area and there will not be a tragedy.

Third law: Always be sure of your target and what is behind it.Bullets can penetrate a number of items before coming to ahalt. Always identify your target and what is behind it beforefiring. If you are unsure do not fire. Always ensure that there isa safe impact area behind your target before firing.



HANDGUN LEGISLATION

1. The purposes of the Firearms Act 1996 are to give effect to the principlethat possession, carriage, use, acquisition and disposal of firearms areconditional on the need to ensure public safety and peace by regulatinglicensing, registration, storage and education of the community in the safeand responsible use of firearms.

2. To give a brief understanding to prospective handgun licence holders thefollowing summarises some of the important components of the FirearmsAct 1996 applicable to handguns.

HANDGUN LICENCES

3. Section 15 of the Firearms Act 1996 allows the Chief Commissioner tolicence a person to possess, carry or use a handgun for various reasonsincluding for target shooting.

4. For the purpose of demonstrating that a licence is required for targetshooting the applicant must be a current member of a shooting-club orshooting organisation that is approved by the Chief Commissioner.

5. To obtain a handgun licence the applicant must:

• not be a prohibited person

• be 18 years of age or over

• be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun

• not be a danger to public safety or peace

• have passed a course of firearms safety approved by the ChiefCommissioner and have a good knowledge of the firearms laws

• can comply with the storage requirements set out by the act

Handgun licences for recreational use are subject to the followingconditions:

6. General Conditions (contained in Schedule 1 of the Act)

• the holder of the licence must permit a member of the police force toinspect the holder’s storage arrangements at any reasonable time.

• the holder of the licence must not transfer, lend or give the licence toanother person.

• any firearms held under the licence must not be used for any reasonother than the reasons authorised by the licence.



7. Special Conditions (contained Section 15 (2)(b))

• the holder must be a member of an approved club and the firearmsheld under the licence must be used at an approved shooting range.

The Chief Commissioner also has power to impose other conditions onhandgun licence.

JUNIOR HANDGUN LICENCE

8. Section 18 of the Firearms Act 1996 allows the Chief Commissioner tolicence a person who is of or over 12 years of age and under 18 years ofage to carry or use handguns of the type specified in the licence for thepurpose of receiving instruction in the use of such firearms or engaging incompetition shooting

9. To obtain junior handgun licence the applicant must:► not be a prohibited person► be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun► not be a danger to public safety or peace► have passed a course of firearms safety approved by the Chief

Commissioner and have a good knowledge of the firearms laws► have the written consent of the parent or guardian

Junior handgun licences are subject to the following conditions:

10. General Conditions (contained in Schedule 1 of the Act)

► the holder of the licence must not transfer, lend or give the licence toanother person.

► any firearms held under the licence must not be used for any reasonother than the reasons authorised by the licence.

11. Special Conditions (contained in item 4 of Schedule 2)

► the holder of the licence must not carry or use a handgun under thelicence except under the immediate supervision of a person who is theholder of a handgun licence

► the holder is authorised to carry or use a handgun, the carriage of useof which is authorised by the licence, on an approved shooting range.

► The holder is not authorised to purchase ammunition.

The licence is also subject to any other condition the Chief Commissionerimposes.



PERMIT TO ACQUIRE A HANDGUN12. Section 103 of the Firearms Act 1996 allows the Chief Commissioner to

issue a permit to a person to acquire a handgun if that person is the holderof a licence that authorises the possession of handguns.

13. The applicant for a permit to acquire a hand gun must:► not be a prohibited person► be a fit and proper person to possess a handgun► be able to comply with the storage set out under the Act► be able to demonstrate that the reason for which the licence was

required continues to apply in respect of the handgun for which theapplication for the permit is made

► can demonstrate a genuine need for the handgun.

14. In determining the genuine need to posses, carry or use a handgun theChief Commissioner must have regard to the number, category and typeof firearms already possessed by the applicant.

15. Applications for a permit to acquire must be in the form and mannerapproved by the Chief Commissioner and verified by statutory declaration.

16. For the first acquisition, a permit to acquire will not be issued until 28 dayshave expired after the making of the application. The permit remains inforce for a period of 28 days or until the firearm to which it relates isacquired or the permit is cancelled.

Note: All transactions involving the acquisition or disposal of handgunsmust be conducted with or through a licensed firearms dealer.

STORAGE OF HANDGUNS

17. The requirements for the storage of handguns is set out in Schedule 4 ofthe Firearms Act 1996.

18. Handguns must be stored in steel safe -► which is of a thickness that is not easily penetrable and► which, if it weights less than 150 kilogram when it is empty, must be

bolted to the structure of the premises where the firearm is authorisedto be kept, and

► which, when any firearm is stored in it, is locked



19. If more than 15 firearms are stored on the premises where the firearm isstored, the premises must be fitted with an effective alarm system.

20. Any ammunition for the firearm must be stored in a separately-lockedcontainer (i.e. neither loose nor accessible from the safe in which thefirearms are stored without the use of a separate key).

SAFEKEEPING OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION WHILE BEING CARRIEDOR USED

21. Section 126 of the Firearms Act 1996 requires that a person who iscarrying or using a handgun must:► Ensure that the handgun is carried and used in a manner that is secure

and is not dangerous and► must take reasonable precautions to ensure that the handgun is not

lost or stolen.

Note: The onus is on the licence holder to ensure that his handguns are securedat home, whilst travelling to an approved range and whilst shooting at approvedranges.

NON-PROHIBITED PERSONS WHO ARE EXEMPT FROM THEREQUIREMENT TO HOLD A LICENCE

22. Schedule 3 of the Firearms Act 1996 exempts certain categories of personfrom requiring a licence.

23. It includes any person who is of or over the age of 18 years who isreceiving instruction in the use of a handgun by or under the immediatesupervision of the holder of a handgun licence.

24. This only applies when carrying or using at an approved shooting rangethe handgun specified in the supervisor’s licence for the purpose ofreceiving instruction.

Note: This does not apply to persons under 18 years of age and is only for thepurpose of receiving instruction, not competition shooting.



OFFENCES

25. Apart from the general offences relating to possession, using, storing andacquiring handguns there are many other offences within the Act that canrelate to a person possessing a handgun. These include but are notlimited to:

► failing to notify the Chief Commissioner within 7 days of change ofaddress

► failing to notify the Chief Commissioner of the loss, theft or destructionof a handgun within 24 hours

► failing to advise the Chief Commissioner of the permanent removal of ahandgun from Victoria

► failing to produce a licence on demand of a member of the police force► failing to produce a handgun for inspection by police► permitting an unauthorised person to carry or use a handgun► damaging property with a firearm► using a handgun in a dangerous manner► carrying a loaded handgun or using a handgun in a town etc► carrying or using a handgun whilst intoxicated

Ammunition25.1 A person must not possess ammunition unless that person:

► is the holder of a firearm licence, or► is the holder of a licence under the Dangerous Goods Act, or► is not required to have a firearms licence

A person with a firearms licence must not possess ammunition that is notsuitable for use in the category of firearm for which the person is licensed.

Note: A finding of guilt at court for an offence against the Firearms Act 1996(where the court was able to impose a term of imprisonment) or an offenceagainst any other Act involving possession and use of firearms (where the courtwas able to impose a term of imprisonment) will result in the cancellation of ahandgun licence.



TYPES OF HANDGUNS

26. There are four main types of handguns commonly available to the sportingshooter in Australia. These are:► Revolvers► Semi-automatic pistols► Air pistols► Single shot pistols

27. RevolversThe majority of revolvers are six shot breech loading handguns, a numberof centre fire revolvers are currently being manufactured with a seven shotcapacity and some rimfire revolvers may hold up to nine rounds.

The majority of revolvers are produced with a solid frame and a swing outtype of cylinder having six chambers located around a central axis andcan be fired either double or single action.

Single-action is when the hammer must be manually cocked andsqueezing the trigger performs only one function, this being the release ofthe hammer.

Double action is when squeezing the trigger performs two functions, thesebeing the movement of the hammer from the de-cocked position backthrough the cocked position and then the release of the hammer as persingle action.

Some single action type revolvers do not have a swing out cylinder andare loaded/unloaded and checked through a ‘loading gate’ located on theright hand side of the frame.

The following sequence forms the safety precautions for a revolver (swingout cylinder)► Hold revolver with master hand, ensuring that finger is outside the

trigger guard.► Release cylinder catch and swing out cylinder.► Inspect cylinder chambers to ensure they are clear of rounds. If rounds

present continue.► Transfer revolver to weak hand, point muzzle straight up and strike the

ejector rod with the palm of the master hand.► Inspect cylinder chambers to ensure they are clear of rounds.



28. Semi-automatic pistolsA semi-automatic pistol is a mechanically locked, recoil operated handgunfeaturing either a single or double action trigger (or combination) and fittedwith some form of safety mechanism. All semi-automatic pistols reloadafter each shot until the source of ammunition is depleted.

The term ‘semi-automatic’ pistol by accepted usage signifies a handgun inwhich squeezing the trigger when the chamber and magazine are loadedwill:► Fire the cartridge in the chamber► Eject the fired cartridge case► Cock the firing mechanism ready for the next shot and► Load a cartridge from the magazine into the chamber in position for

firing

Some gas operated semi-automatic and blowback pistols are availablehowever the majority of semi-automatic pistols are recoil operated.

Most double action pistols perform as single actions once they have beenfired as the slide movement re-cocks the hammer.

Magazines for semi-automatic pistols are generally inserted in the griparea through the base of the grip. Some variations may be inserted downthrough the breech or in front of the trigger guard. Magazine capacitiesmay vary between five and twenty rounds.

The following sequence forms the safety precautions for a semi-automaticpistol:► Hold pistol in master hand, ensuring that trigger figure is outside trigger

guard► Ensure safety catch is in ‘safe’ position► Depress magazine release and remove magazines.► With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction rack the slide, allow the

cartridge to eject (if present)► Visually inspect chamber to ensure no round is present► Allow the slide to travel forward► Insert an EMPTY magazine for magazine disconnected pistols► With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction fire the action (the definitive

safety check)

NOTE: ‘Dry firing of rimfire and air pistols may cause damage to the mechanismand therefore should not be done with those types.



29. Air Pistol

Air pistol come in a variety of designs, a number duplicate thecharacteristics of either revolvers or semi-automatic pistols. The majorityof air pistols are of a single shot design.

The air pistol is unique in that it uses compressed air to generate thedriving force behind the lead pellet (projectile).

The compressed air may be released from a storage cylinder into thebarrel by means of a regulator activated by the trigger mechanism or bymeans of a piston and spring mechanism that forcibly compresses the airat the moment the trigger is activated.

Air pistols are designed to be shot in indoor venues and have anextremely low velocity that averages between 300 and 600 feet persecond (approximately 92 and 183 m/s respectively).

EXAMPLES OF CO2 AIR PISTOLS



30. Single shot pistol

Similar to air pistols, single shot pistols come in a variety of designs andcalibres. Single shot pistols are noted for their accuracy and ease of use.Due to the simplicity and inherent safety of single shot pistols they arewidely regarded as excellent pistols for new shooters.

THOMPSON CONTENDER SINGLE SHOT PISTOL

NOTE: Single shot pistols often have a very light trigger pull and may not havethe inherent safety features of modern revolvers or semi-automatic pistols.



BASIC BALLISTICS

31. The study of exterior ballistics imparts knowledge to shooters as to whatoccurs when a bullet is actually fired. A knowledge of how far a bullet willtravel is imperative in understanding the dangers associated with allfirearms if due care is not exercised in selecting appropriate range areaswith suitable backstops.

The sporting handgun shooter will use both rim fire and centre firecartridges.

32. How a cartridge worksConventional cartridges (known as fixed ammunition) as we know themhave been in common use in their current form for over 130 years. Thecartridge comprises the following components.

► Cartridge case - generally made from brass however examples may befound of copper, aluminium or steel. Brass cases are suitable forreloading due to the inherent properties of brass that allows the case toexpand and contract during the discharge of the round. The brass caseis able to be resized during the reloading process.

► Primers - two types in cartridges, centre fire and rimfire. Rimfirecartridges cannot be reloaded. The priming compound is located in therim of the cartridges cases and is ignited when the firing pin strikes therim of the case detonating the primer compound. This primingcompound is placed in the rim during the manufacturing process and isunable to be replaced.

Centre fire cartridges as their name denotes have a primer located in thecentre of the cartridge case base. The primers in centre fire cases arereplaceable which enables the cartridge to be reloaded. Centre fireprimers are self contained units and consist of a cup, priming compoundand anvil. When the firing pin strikes the primer the priming compound isignited when the compound is compressed between the cup and the anvil.

► Propellant Powder - designed to progressively burn and create vastvolumes of gas which drive the projectile out of the barrel. Smokelesspowder was developed in the latter part of the 1800’s and is based ona nitrocellulose material. Propellant powders are manufactured to burnat various controlled speeds. Dependant upon the application aparticular powder will be the most suitable selection. Calibre, bulletweight and desired velocity are all taken into consideration in the



process of selecting a powder for a particular use. Propellant powdersshould never be blended and recommended loads should never beexceeded.

► Projectiles - come in a multitude of designs, weights and sizes. Thedesigns of many projectiles lend themselves to particular applications.Round nose, wadcutter, semi wadcutter, hollow point and truncatedcone are just a few of the many designs available. Projectiles may bemanufactured from lead of varying degrees of hardness, these leadprojectiles may be gas-checked, Teflon, tin or copper washed.Jacketed, semi-jacketed or solid copper projectiles are also available.

CENTREFIRE CARTRIDGE RIMFIRE CARTRIDGE

33. At the time a cartridge is fired the firing pin firmly dents the primer, thepriming compound is crushed between the anvil and the primer cup andthe primer compound detonates. The ignition of the primer sends a flame(in the case of a centre fire cartridge) through the primer hole in the baseof the cartridge case into the propellant charge.



The propellant ignites and burns at a fast, even rate. There is a commonmisconception that the propellant powder explodes and the force of thisexplosion is what discharges the projectile, this is a fallacy. What actuallyoccurs is that the powder commences to burn and produces hotexpanding gases, it is the pressure from these expanding gases that exertpressure in all directions and eventually drive the projectile down thebarrel.

34. As the gases expand the pressure from these gases is seeking an avenueof release. As the breeching mechanism of the firearm does not allow thegases to escape through the chamber area it leaves the projectile as thearea that offers the least amount of resistance. The expanding gases startthe projectile down the barrel, as it does so the propellant powdercontinues to burn and accelerates the projectile until the projectile exitsthe barrel.

35. As the projectile travels down the barrel the expanding gases force theprojectile into the rifling in the barrel that in turns cause the projectile tospin at the same rate as the twist in the barrel. This spinning enhances thestability of the projectile and AIDS in the accuracy of the firearm.

36. As each action must have an equal and opposite reaction, the reaction tothe discharge of the projectile gives rise to what is known as recoil. Themomentum imparted to the projectile is equalled by a similar momentum(in the opposite direction) that pushes the firearm backwards. The amountof recoil felt when firing a gun is decreased by the mass of the guncompared to that of the projectile. For any gun, the heavier the projectileand the higher its speed on leaving the muzzle, the more recoil is felt.

37. The average maximum range of a handgun round is in the vicinity of 2kilometres, however some of the magnum handgun rounds can travel outto 3 kilometres. As can be seen from these distances a shooter has toremain acutely aware of what is behind the target at which he is shootingand the effectiveness of any backstops.

Bullet path (Trajectory)

38. From the time the projectile leaves the barrel it immediately comes underthe influence of gravity and air resistance. These two forces progressivelyslow the projectile down and cause the projectile to fall to the ground. As aresult as the target range increases the shooter has to aim higher to strikethe target.



Projectile Flight Path

39. The maximum accepted range for a handgun is 200 metres when it isused in such matches as metallic silhouette, the diagram above relates toa .44 Magnum shooting a 240 grain (15.55 g) projectile at 1400 feet persecond (427 m/s). It is evident that with the sights adjusted for point ofimpact at 200 yards (182 m) the following trajectory will be produced:► at 50 yards (45.7 m) the projectile will be 8.9” (22.6 cm) high► at 100 yards (91.44 m) the projectile will be 12.9” (32.7 cm) high► at 150 yards (137 m) the projectile will be 10.3” (26.1 cm) high► at 200 yards (182 m) the projectile will be on target.

40. In order to strike targets at each of these respective ranges the line ofbore has to be lowered by a corresponding amount to impact the targetarea.

Reloading

41. Reloading reverses the process of firing a cartridge. When a cartridge isreloaded the components used when firing are replaced and the cartridgecase is returned to dimensions that allow it to be re-chambered. The stepsinvolved in reloading a cartridge are:► The case is resized.► The spent primer is removed and replaced with a new primer.► A fresh powder charge is loaded.► A new projectile is seated and crimped.

42. Reloading is a simple process that can be carried out by any person.However there are a great many pitfalls await the unwary. The selection ofpropellant powder type and weight is critical and must be carried out inconjunction with research from appropriate reloading manuals ormanufacturers handbooks that provide tables of data.

TARGET

TRAJECTORY W ITHOUT CORRECTION

LINE OF SIGHT

TRAJECTORY W ITH CORRECTION

0 yd0”

50 yd 9"

100 yd 13"

150 yd 10"

200 yd 0"

Range -Ht -

NOTE: TYPICAL TRAJECTORY FIGURES FOR .44 MAGNUM

LINE OF BORE



43. At no time must propellant powders be blended or used in excess ofmanufacturers data. When it is time for the novice shooter to commencereloading cartridges it is appropriate to seek advice from other shooterswho have experience in this field. In the absence of such source ofinformation gunshop proprietors and shooting organisations often holdclasses in basic reloading skills.

When reloading the following basic rules should be followed:► Have a full understanding of the reloading process before you

commence.► Always wear eye protection when reloading.► Do not smoke whilst reloading.► Store powder & primers out of the reach of children.► Develop a set routine and do not rush.► Do not use propellant powder unless its identity is known.► Do not exceed loads recommended for the firearm being used.► Keep the reloading area neat and tidy, promptly clean up any spilled

powder or primers.► Pay attention to detail when setting scales, powder throwers and

seating depths.

SAFETY

44. Safety with handguns is of paramount importance. There are threelocations where handguns are handled these are:► At home► Travelling to and from the range► At the range

In the introduction you were taught the three laws of gun control, if thesethree laws are obeyed at all times whilst handling handguns the safety ofyourself and others will be guaranteed.

45. Safety at home.► All firearms stored at your home should be stored in accord with

current legislative requirements.► Handguns must be stored in an approved steel safe.► Ammunition must be stored in a separate locked container.► Children must not have access to the handguns or access to the safe

at any time.► Handguns should never be loaded with live ammunition at home.



► On every occasion that a handgun is removed from the safe for anyreason whatsoever the handgun should be proved and made safe aspreviously discussed.

► At no time should firearms be handled whilst under the influence ofalcohol or any other drug.

46. Travelling to and from the range► When transporting a handgun it should be stored in either a box or a

pistol case, this serves both purposes of protecting the handgun andmaking the contents not readily visible.

► When transporting the handgun you should travel directly to and fromthe range, do not stop off to do some shopping on the way. In thecircumstances that the car is stolen so will your handguns also bestolen.

► Whilst travelling the boot of your vehicle is the most secure area, thehandguns are not readily visible in this area.

► If you must stop en-route for fuel or refreshments ensure that thevehicle is locked and remains in sight at all times.

47. At the rangeShooting on a SSAA range is conducted under the watchful eye of aRange Officer (RO). When entering a range always identify the RO andmake your presence known to him/her. The RO is responsible for thesafe conduct of activities on the range and will issue commands toshooters as required to achieve safe and coordinated range operations.The RO will be heard to issue a very important call that must be obeyedIMMEDIATELY - “CEASE FIRE”. This means that you are to stop firingand lower your handgun, render it safe and put it down in plain view onthe firing bench.

Other rules for shooting at a range are:► Always wear both eye and ear protection whilst on the range.► The firearms should remain in its box or cover until it can be removed

in either a designated safety area or on the line under the control of aRange Officer.

► All Range Officer commands must be obeyed immediately► During and after the loading process the handgun must remain pointed

down range at all times unless holstered.► At all times whilst not engaging a target the finger must remain off the

trigger.► Never let the muzzle of the handgun point in any direction that would

let a round exit the range area or clear the backstop.► Be aware of the muzzle direction in relation to your feet and ground

surface (concrete can cause splatter).



► Whilst not on the firing line handguns should only be handled indesignated safety areas.

► Load the handgun only whilst under the control of a Range Officer.► Do not leave any handguns unattended at any time.► If you have any doubts at any time as to what to do, either holster the

handgun or point it in a safe direction and seek assistance from aRange Officer.

► When laying firearms down the cylinder must be open in the case of arevolver or the magazines removed and the slide locked back in thecase of a semi-automatic pistol.

► Whilst clearing malfunctions ensure that the muzzle remains pointeddown range in a safe direction.

► Never look down the barrel if checking for a stuck projectile.

PRACTICAL COMPONENT

48. During this component of the training the student will be required to handlefirearms. As there has been most likely a number of breaks prior to thissession the instructor must again instruct students that NO LIVEAMMUNITION is to be introduced to the training environment until the lastcomponent involving live fire commences.

49. Students will be continually assessed throughout this session as to theirknowledge of safety and gun handling skills. A breach of safety during thiscomponent of the course will result in immediate ejection from the courseand students being classified as being not yet competent andsubsequently having to re-attend the course.

Prior to commencement of the live fire sequence all students must obtainand wear appropriate eye and ear protection.

50. Safe handling of handguns.The instructor will demonstrate safety precautions for each of the fourtypes of handguns, these being;

51. Revolver► Hold revolver with master hand, ensuring that finger is outside the

trigger guard.► Release cylinder catch and swing out cylinder.► Inspect cylinder chambers to ensure they are clear of rounds. If rounds

present continue.► Transfer revolver to weak hand, point muzzle straight up and strike the

ejector rod with the palm of the master hand.► Inspect cylinder chambers to ensure they are clear of rounds.



52. Semi-automatic pistol► Hold pistol in master hand, ensuring that trigger figure is outside trigger

guard► Ensure safety catch is in ‘safe’ position► Depress magazine release and remove magazine (inspect for live

rounds)► With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction rack the slide, allow the

cartridge to eject (if present)► Visually inspect chamber to ensure no round is present► Allow the slide to travel forward► For pistols with a magazine disconnector, insert the empty magazine► With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction fire the action (the definitive

safety check)

NOTE: Do not dry fire rimfire pistols as damage to the firing pin or hammernose may result.

53. Air pistolDependant upon the type and action.

Single shot pistolDependant upon the type and action.

NOTE: Do not dry fire air pistols as serious damage to the mechanismmay result

54. The instructor will stress that safety precautions must be carried outwhenever the handgun is removed from:► The safe► The gun bag/case at the range► When being handed to another person► When being received from another person► Prior to being loaded► At the conclusion of shooting► Prior to cleaning► When being lodged in the safe at home► If there is any doubt whatsoever as to the condition of the handgun

55. Students are then to display correct application of safety precautions on allfour types of handguns



56. Loading and unloading a handgunUsing action proving dummy ammunition the instructor will thendemonstrate correct loading and unloading techniques for all four types ofhandguns using appropriate safety precautions and displaying a high levelof gun handling skills. Semi automatic pistols will be loaded to thecondition where there is a round in the chamber and the action uncockedby means of a de-cocking lever or the safety catch applied. At theconclusion of the demonstration students are to demonstrate theirknowledge in loading and unloading handguns.

NOTE: This session is to be carried out in a live fire environment, allaction proving dummy ammunition is to be inspected by theinstructor and students prior to the commencement of thesession. No live ammunition is to be present in the environment.The instructor is to repeat the following instruction.

57. “For reasons of safety, from this point in time until thecommencement of the live fire practise, no student or instructor is tohave in their possession any live ammunition whatsoever. Allstudents and instructors must check their pockets, bags and anyother potential repositories where ammunition may be stored. If anystudent has any live ammunition with them I must now ask them todeclare the presence of this ammunition and produce it for safekeeping.”

58. Safe clearance of malfunctionsMalfunctions in handguns may be classified in one of the following areas:► Failure to feed► Failure to fire► Failure to extract► Failure to eject

59. In a revolver the failure to fire and failure to eject are the only potentialmalfunctions, these may be treated as follows;

60. Failure to fire: Initial action is to again action the trigger, this rotates thecylinder and brings a new round into position for firing.

NOTE: Most failures to fire in revolvers can be traced to weak hammersprings or hammer springs that have been backed off to ease the triggerpull.

61. Failure to eject: Failure to eject occurs in revolver when the ejection rod isnot depressed in a forceful enough manner to remove the cases from thecylinder. It is common for the cartridge case to slip underneath the ejector



star when this occurs. To remedy this malfunction the ejector star must befully depressed and the stuck cartridge case removed using a finger nail orsmall screwdriver.

62. In a semi-automatic pistol there are a variety of malfunctions that include► ‘Stove pipe’► Double feed► Failure to extract due to torn cartridge rim, stuck case or broken

extractor► Failure to feed due to inappropriate projectile design► Failure to eject due to low powered ammunition, broken ejector► Failure to fire due to mechanical malfunction or round not properly

chambered (disconnector will not allow pistol to discharge)

63. There are many varied techniques for clearing the above malfunctions andinstructors are to display such techniques as are appropriate whilstensuring that appropriate safety procedures are followed. Of paramountimportance whilst clearing malfunctions is that the finger must remainoutside the trigger guard and the muzzle must be in a safe direction whilstclearing the handgun. Students are to be reminded that the hands mustremain clear of the muzzle and ejection port in order to prevent injury inthe advent of an unintentional discharge.

On SSAA ranges the RO must be advised of a malfunction involving‘stuck live rounds’ before attempting to clear the firearm malfunction.

64. Clearance of malfunctions in air pistols and single shot pistols aredependant upon individual design.

Safety checks on handguns

The instructor will explain and demonstrate the following safety checks tothe students who will then carry out the checks themselves.

65. Revolver Safety CheckCheck and clear revolver, when clear close cylinder and check for functionof hammer block. Do this in the following manner:► cock the revolver► press trigger whilst holding hammer► release trigger and slowly lower hammer.►

The safety bar should rise to prevent hammer nose from striking where around would be chambered (should not protrude through the recoil plate).



66. Semi-automatic Pistol Safety CheckCheck and clear pistol, when clear check:

(a) Safety catch Action slide, engage safety catch, press triggerfirmly then release trigger, disengage safetycatch, hammer should not drop.

(b) Half-cock notch Cock hammer, hold hammer and press trigger,release trigger and slowly lower hammer,hammer should stop at half-cock notch.

(c) Disconnector Cock hammer, move slide back approximately1/8 inch (3 mm), press trigger

LIVE FIRE EXERCISES

67. Prior to the commencement of live fire exercise all action proving dummyammunition must be retrieved from students and removed from thetraining area prior to the introduction of live ammunition. At this stage ofthe training the emphasis is on safe gun handling and not accuracy.

It is recommended that during this phase of training students are restrictedto calibres such as .22 Rimfire, .38 Special and 9 mm and are advised notto use heavy calibre handguns unless the student has previousexperience with handguns.

68. Phase # 1 - SINGLE ROUND LOADING/FIRINGUsing a revolver the student is to carry out the safety precautions andupon the appropriate commands load and fire a single round at a targetsituated 5 metres away. The student is then to reload and fire 5 individualrounds at the same target. At the conclusion of the exercise the student isto carry out safety precautions again and render the handgun safe.

This exercise is to be repeated until the instructor is satisfied the studenthas displayed appropriate gun handling skills in this exercise.

The student then repeats the exercise using a semi-automatic pistol.

69. Phase # 2 - MULTIPLE ROUND LOADING/FIRINGUsing a revolver the student is to carry out safety precautions and uponthe appropriate commands load and fire six rounds in their own time at atarget 5 metres away. The student is then to reload with a further six



rounds and repeat the exercises. At the conclusion of the exercise thestudent is to carry out safety precautions and render the handgun safe.

This exercise is to be repeated until the instructor is satisfied the studenthas displayed appropriate gun handling skills.

The student then repeats the exercise using a semi-automatic pistol

70. Phase # 3 - MULTIPLE ROUND FIRING WITH MALFUNCTIONSUsing a semi-automatic pistol the student is to carry out safety precautionsand upon the appropriate commands load a magazine supplied by theinstructor and fire six individual rounds in their own time at a target 5metres away. The student is then to reload with a further six rounds usinganother magazine supplied by the instructor and repeat the exercises. Atthe conclusion of the exercise the student is to carry out safetyprecautions and render the handgun safe.


NOTE:The instructor will load a minimum of 4 action proving dummy rounds intothe two magazines to simulate a failure to fire. The student is required toclear the malfunction using appropriate and safe gun handling skills.

71. Phase # 4 - OFF-HAND SINGLE HAND FIRINGUsing a revolver the student is to carry out safety precautions and uponthe appropriate commands load and fire six rounds in their own time usingtheir master hand only at a target 5 metres away. The student is to thenreload with a further six rounds and repeat the exercise. At the conclusionof the exercise the student is to carry out safety precautions and renderthe handgun safe.


The student then repeats the exercise using a semi-automatic pistol.

72. Phase # 5 - REINFORCEMENT OF HANDLING SKILLSUsing a revolver the student is to carry out safety precautions and uponthe appropriate commands load and fire a single round at a target 5metres away, the student is to then reload with a further single round andrepeat the exercise, this exercise is to be repeated a further four times for



a total of six shots. At the conclusion of the exercise the student is to carryout safety precautions and render the handgun safe.


The student then repeats the exercise using a semi-automatic pistol, thepistol is to lock back after each shot is fired prior to being reloaded.

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